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Definition of arbitrate

arbitrate

/ˈɑːr.bɪ.treɪt/
ar · bi · trate
Adjective:arbitral
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Past Simple:arbitrated
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Past Participle:arbitrated
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Present Participle:arbitrating
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arbitrate Lexical Profile

arbitrate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To reach an authoritative judgment or settlement in a dispute as an independent person or body officially appointed by the parties involved.

Example

"An independent panel was appointed to arbitrate the contract dispute between the management and the labor union."

2

To submit a disagreement or conflict to an impartial third party for an official, binding decision.

Example

"Both companies agreed to arbitrate their patent infringement claims rather than engage in a lengthy courtroom trial."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for arbitrate
Antonyms
View all antonyms for arbitrate

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'arbitrate' with 'mediate'; to arbitrate means to issue a binding decision as an authoritative judge, whereas to mediate means to help disputing parties reach their own voluntary agreement.

• Nearby Words

arbitrarily
arbitrariness
arbitrary
arbitrate
arbitration
arbitrator
arbitratrix

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 16th century from Latin 'arbitratus', the past participle of 'arbitrari' (to witness, judge, or decide), derived from 'arbiter' (an eyewitness or judge).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Arbitrate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/arbitrate
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